Jenn Garbee is a Los Angeles based food and travel writer, editor and professional culinary instructor. She is a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times Food and Travel sections, a former editorial contractor for the Food section, and a food and beverage columnist for Tribune Media Services. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including the Baltimore Sun, Chicago Tribune, Florida Sun-Sentinel, Fort Worth Star Telegram, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Times, Robb Report, and on Epicurious.com.

Garbee's interest in the social influence of food goes back to fifth grade show-and-tell, when she offered a classmate raised on Duncan Hines her homemade brownies in exchange for his pet turtle. She took home the turtle.

Her latest book, SECRET SUPPERS (Sasquatch, October 2008) takes readers to underground restaurants nationwide, exploring the social philosophy, people and culinary creations behind the movement. 

She is co-author of Hometown Santa Monica (Prospect Park Books, 2007) and EAT L.A. (Prospect Park Books, Winter 2008).

Garbee received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Davidson College and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. After working her way through various fine art museums, including the Guggenheim and New Museum in New York and the Getty and UCLA Fowler museums in Los Angeles, the creative thrill disappeared. Earning a decidedly practical MBA probably had something to do with it.

In 2005, Garbee earned a Diplôme in Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking from the California School of Culinary Arts. She interned at the James Beard award winning restaurant Lucques and the Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen. Ever since, she's been taking readers to hidden kitchens and travel destinations worldwide.

Postscript: The turtle was released into Fort Worth's Trinity River, five years fatter.

Contact Jenn at jgarbee@gmail.com